Eddie O'Neal Loper

October 25, 1942 - November 1, 2020

Eddie O'Neal Loper passed to his heavenly home on November 1, 2020. He was born October 25, 1942 to Omie and Ila Loper of Mobile, Alabama. His family moved to Laurel, MS in 1945. Eddie attended school in Laurel and graduated from George S. Gardner High School in 1960. He was a star football player in High School, Junior College, Jones Junior College, and the University of Southern Mississippi. He worked with Gulf Oil as an Engineer in New Orleans, Louisiana, for 20 years. He also worked in Dallas, Texas for several years. Eddie has an outstanding voice and was not shy to sing whenever asked. He retired from Gulf Oil and moved to Nashville, Tennessee to record his music. He was friends with many recording artists, including Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, and many others. Marty became a close friend of Eddies and was involved in helping Eddie get started recording and writing music. Marty passed away approximately the same time Eddie's parents became ill and he moved back to Laurel to take care of his parents. At this time, he and his sister, Sylvia Thrash Lowrimore took over the ownership of Lopers Laundry. After the deaths of his parents, Eddie married his wife, Linda. Eddie and Linda together operated the business in Laurel for many years. He was a remarkable man and never met a stranger. He and Linda loved to travel and enjoyed giving his CD's to individuals as part of his Christian Ministry. They loved their church (First Baptist), and Eddie sang in the choir. Eddie was part of many clubs and organizations. Eddie was a good samaritan always helping someone in need. He always had a smile on his face and a golden heart. His laugh and love were contagious. Eddie is preceded in death by his father Omie Loper, mother Ila Loper, brother Gary Loper, and sister Jean Loper Perry. He is survived by his sister Sylvia Loper Thrash Lowrimore, nephews Tim Perry of Charlotte, N.C., and Terry Perry of Hattiesburg, MS, Gary Loper of Jackson, MS, Shane and Neal Lowrimore both of Hattiesburg, nieces Leslie Loper Herring of Hattiesburg, MS and Dana Lowrimore Waugh of Birmingham, AL, also six great nephews and four great nieces. Our hearts are broken from the loss of our dear Eddie, but we are comforted in knowing that Eddie is healed and singing in Heaven to our Lord and Savior. Rest in Peace Eddie O'Neal, we will forever cherish and miss you dearly. Services will be held graveside on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Hickory Grove Cemetery. The visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.